The Essential Windrush Reading List

We at Inpress Books are incredibly proud to introduce our latest collection: The Windrush Collection. We reached out to our publishers to put together a glowing collection of books about or relating to Windrush and Windrush day.

With acclaimed titles from HopeRoad, Dinosaur Books, Out-Spoken Press, Arachne Press, Valley Press, Papillote Press, Nine Arches Press and Peepal Tree Press, this collection of novels, poetry and children’s books means there is a read for everyone – no matter your interests or age.

Please see our recommended titles below. If you want to learn more about Windrush, read on. 

Who are the Windrush Generation?

The Windrush Generation are the young people who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries. Named after the British ship that brought them to our shores, HMT Empire Windrush, in total, there were thought to be 1000 Caribbean men and women aboard - some of whom were veterans of the war. They came from Caribbean islands that had previously been colonised by the British, and forced to become part of the British Empire. The people living in those countries therefore spoke English, and were familiar with the idea of Britain, having learned British history at school. They were British subjects.

What jobs did the Windrush Generation do?

What did the Windrush generation bring to Britain? 

Post WW2, Britain was on its knees with a desperate need to rebuild its infrastructure. Many of the young people now called the Windrush generation were invited by the British government to come  to the. They were promised a reliable income if they filled the many gaps in the work force. Many of these people came from overseas specifically in response to the British Government's call out for workers. 

These migrants, to whom we owe a great deal of thanks, were largely responsible for helping us rebuild our struggling country. June is a month where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of those migrants. 

How did the Windrush generation change Britain?

This generation helped Britain when it really needed it. Britain, like many at the time, were grieving and had taken a huge blow to its infrastructure. These migrants helped to fill the gaps in our work force to strengthen our infrastructure after WW2, taking up roles across a variety of sectors. The Windrush generation worked in the postal, health, and transport services, but they also helped to ease strain in steel production, coal mining, farming and many more crucial industries the country relied upon to thrive. It was because of their contributions our nation was able to find itself back on its feet. 

What can you do to engage with Windrush?

At Inpress Books, we recommend you start with reading. Listen to their stories. Pass their stories to you friends. And imagine what this country would look like without them. During June, there are many events being held by British Caribbean organisations across the country, where you can listen to the stories and experiences of the Windrush generation. Windrush Day takes place on June 22nd this year (2023) and this one marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Windrush at Tilbury Docks.

The contributions and commitment of the Windrush generation and their children helped to build Britain and it's important to celebrate the people and their heritage.

Special thanks to Rosemarie Hudson of HopeRoad and Sonya McGilchrist of Dinosaur Books for their help whilst putting this collection together.